1
as in inspires
to fill with courage or strength of purpose
a pep talk that encouraged the team to get out there and win
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in promotes
to help the growth or development of
asserted that the government should be encouraging small businesses, not smothering them with regulations
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in provokes
to rouse to strong feeling or action
the movie's cheap special effects will not encourage audiences to sit on the edge of their seats but to roll in the aisles with laughter
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in urges
to try to persuade (someone) through earnest appeals to follow a course of action
the pastor continues to encourage the couple to work out their problems in hopes of saving their marriage
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of encourages
Armbruster encourages drivers to compare prices between stations instead of automatically stopping at the same place every time to fill up.
—
Tiffani Jackson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 8 May 2026
The equal time law encourages more speech and empowers voters to decide the outcome of elections.
—Todd Spangler, Variety, 8 May 2026
Critics have said that Brandy Melville’s clothing, which typically fit an American extra small or small, encourages unhealthy body standards, especially among teenage girls.
—Carolyn Stein, Chicago Tribune, 8 May 2026
The showroom encourages tactile exploration of its tile, stone and bath products, with an on-site library of more than 1,000 samples and moodboarding zones, TileBar said.
—Charlotte Observer, 7 May 2026
As part of a long-standing initiative to grow local philanthropy, Big Day of Giving is a 24-hour giving challenge that encourages the generosity of small and large donations to the organizations that provide support for the area’s most vulnerable communities.
—Veronica Fernandez-Alvarado, Sacbee.com, 7 May 2026
The policy also bans material that admits to or encourages poaching.
—Ethan Baron, Mercury News, 7 May 2026
The annual initiative encourages residents in Michigan and around the world to hold off on mowing in May in order to create more space for bees, butterflies and other pollinators at a time when food is scarce.
—CBS News, 7 May 2026
The Pulitzer board encourages its juries to engage in both robust debate and its own inquiries into the distinctiveness of all entries.
—Max Tani, semafor.com, 6 May 2026
Tiffani Jackson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 8 May 2026
The equal time law encourages more speech and empowers voters to decide the outcome of elections.
—Todd Spangler, Variety, 8 May 2026
Critics have said that Brandy Melville’s clothing, which typically fit an American extra small or small, encourages unhealthy body standards, especially among teenage girls.
—Carolyn Stein, Chicago Tribune, 8 May 2026
The showroom encourages tactile exploration of its tile, stone and bath products, with an on-site library of more than 1,000 samples and moodboarding zones, TileBar said.
—Charlotte Observer, 7 May 2026
As part of a long-standing initiative to grow local philanthropy, Big Day of Giving is a 24-hour giving challenge that encourages the generosity of small and large donations to the organizations that provide support for the area’s most vulnerable communities.
—Veronica Fernandez-Alvarado, Sacbee.com, 7 May 2026
The policy also bans material that admits to or encourages poaching.
—Ethan Baron, Mercury News, 7 May 2026
The annual initiative encourages residents in Michigan and around the world to hold off on mowing in May in order to create more space for bees, butterflies and other pollinators at a time when food is scarce.
—CBS News, 7 May 2026
The Pulitzer board encourages its juries to engage in both robust debate and its own inquiries into the distinctiveness of all entries.
—Max Tani, semafor.com, 6 May 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for encourages
Verb
-
But what inspires me is the idea of putting something beautiful into the world.—
James Manso,
Footwear News,
28 Apr. 2026
-
So my hope is that at least a single candidate ups their game and comes to voters with not just attacks, but something that inspires, something that sets them apart.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
28 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
The new law also adds restrictions to K-12 and higher education institutions, prohibiting school voucher funds from going to any school that promotes or that is affiliated with a terrorist organization.—
CBS Miami Team,
CBS News,
9 May 2026
-
This promotes pleasant feelings between you and everyone around you.—
Georgia Nicols,
Denver Post,
9 May 2026
Verb
-
But the question of what is true or not is futile, even if Calle deliberately provokes this curiosity.—
Elisa Wouk Almino
Editor,
Los Angeles Times,
2 Apr. 2026
-
The flurry of imagery provokes a surreal sort of whiplash.—
Kyle Chayka,
New Yorker,
2 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Kaaoush urges homeowners to understand insurance coverage before disaster strikes, noting that insurers are not required to proactively warn policyholders if they are underinsured.—
Kait Hanson,
Southern Living,
11 May 2026
-
Letter urges reconsideration of design In a letter to church elders, Hubbard argues that newer LDS temple designs suggest tall steeples are not always necessary.—
Erin Jones,
CBS News,
8 May 2026
Verb
-
Certain experiences, products, atmospheres, audiences, or values appeal to different customers, and each business cultivates a unique environment through its operations.—
Daniel Fusch,
USA Today,
1 May 2026
-
The narrative centers on Roh Tae-woo, a man who cultivates a public image as an everyman while working the levers of influence alongside military strongman Chun Doo-hwan.—
Naman Ramachandran,
Variety,
27 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Lion’s mane stimulates nerve growth factor and neurogenesis, enhances memory, focus, clarity and mood, and chaga mushrooms can enhance physical performance, oxygen utilization and give an endurance boost.—
Ryan Brennan
May 6,
Sacbee.com,
6 May 2026
-
Initially, coffee may cause a temporary increase in blood pressure because caffeine stimulates the nervous system.—
Kristen Gasnick,
Verywell Health,
6 May 2026
Verb
-
As Benson continues asking questions about the victim, Jasmyn nudges a sign that shows her prices for autographs and pictures and says that her time is valuable.—
Selome Hailu,
Variety,
24 Apr. 2026
-
Team priorities could collide as the concerned Moon in your 11th House of Aspirations nudges reckless Mars in your 5th House of Risks.—
Tarot.com,
New York Daily News,
31 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
In particular, when politicians use demonizing or dehumanizing rhetoric to attack their opponents— for example, using words that depict their opponents as subhuman— this fosters extremism and helps motivate extremists to hurt their opponents physically.—
James Piazza,
Twin Cities,
30 Apr. 2026
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Research shows that celebrating even small wins releases dopamine in the brains of team members, maintains motivation, and fosters a sense of achievement.—
Big Think,
Big Think,
29 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Encourages.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/encourages. Accessed 12 May. 2026.
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